View from the ISS at Night - By Knate Myers

I wanted to share this video again.  As I was watching the screen, my mind automatically accepted it as if I were watching a movie. The CGI is amazing. They made it look so real, so perfect. Then I remembered, I was watching actual video and not a studio film. I felt the same way I did the first time I watched this video. Amazed. All I could say is "God.  God.          ". I couldn't say anything else. I was mesmerized.  As my mind centered itself, I started to wonder why we have so many difficulties accepting differences.  No matter how widely varied our convictions are, the basis of religion still comes down to one simple, shared belief. A supreme being. A God. One God. He is known by many names, and is praised in many different ways. But we all share the most important belief. God. Christian, Mormon, Catholic, Jew, Rastafari, Islam, Baha’i, Jehovah's Witness, Sikh. Yoruba, Santeria, Voodoo - We all share the same belief that there is one God (or Universal Supreme Being). Many believe in Jesus as well. Beyond that, hundreds to thousands of years of varying beliefs may have changed, but we all still belief in monotheism. Regardless of the name by which you call Him, He answers all the same. Focus on that, and let God (Vishnu, Waheguru, Brahma, YHWH, Jehova, Allah, Olódùmarè, Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh - I Am that I Am) judge anything beyond that. When we look up we all see the same sky, and when looking down on ourselves from above all you see is one beautiful round Earth.

I have a huge amount of respect for Mitt Romney. While our beliefs and opinions may differ, your desire to make this country better is inarguable. Two extremely different political parties wanted the approval of Americans to do the exact same thing - lead the country they passionately love.
To have the courage to stand in front of the world and say "This is the greatest country in the world, and this is how I intend to make it even greater", to stand up and say "These are my beliefs, these are my convictions", to integrity to let billions question your views, that is an amazing quality. Both parties have areas of expertise that combined have made us who we are today, and will guide us going forward. We have cast our votes and made our voices be heard. We decided who would be the best person to run our country based on some polar opposite beliefs. That is now behind us and we can concentrate on those beliefs we share, and find a middle ground where we can quietly and intelligently express our opinions. This is where we will find solutions to our issues. This is the point where we recognize it's our differences that make us so strong. Our talents and ambitions span the spectrum of possibility. But it's the ability to allow other people their possibilities that makes us the UNITED States of America. Instead of focusing on what is wrong, we must continue forward and make change. The problems have been pointed out. Now we must stop talking and start doing. Stand up and fight for what is right. Your rights. Our rights. Stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. Stand up for what is right, even if you have to stand alone. This is the time to be heard and make change begin. Stand up for something. Just stand.

DECISION 2012: Vote for the Right Person

 

a film by me

KITTEN PARTY!

Whoever despises himself still respects himself as one who despises. - Nietzsche

Can't be avoided

The unavoidable collision when two separate journeys intersect creating a moment in time as different paths briefly occupy the same space sparking parallel lines creating new possibilities should the lines continue that course whether the lines combine as one or split apart there remains certainty that each individual path has been affected by the other as fated by destiny's design

My ADHD message to you

Forty creeps over the horizon, stalking me, waiting to make its move.  I don't fear the age itself, but the lessons I've failed to learn.  I have spent my life depending on others to define who I am. I still don't know myself completely, but I know enough to protect my heart.  Years of pain take time to heal, remaining an open wound. Covered by fear and insecurity attempting to hide my shame.

My lack of knowing who I am still haunts me to this day.  Changing how you act and feel is not an immediate adjustment, but takes a lot of time and requires loving who you are.  I still can't say I know myself. More importantly who I'm not.  I've done bad things yearning to earn respect from people who played me for a fool. My relationships, built on co-dependence, have been toxic - poisoned my soul.  Permitting taking control of my life and using it to improve their own.

Why I'm drawn to people who only see my weakness, is something I can only blame on myself.  I've been physically beat, emotionally abused, abandoned and refused.  By time time I realize what's going on it's too late, trapped by my self-esteem. Knowing this I've still continued to pick the one who'll continue with the show.  I've lost track of how many acts have passed, looking forward to the final call.  Time for the curtain to lower down and end the 39 year run.  Then I can start a new play, but this time a one man show.

I'm a work in progress, learning more day by day. With baby steps I slowly improve, rebuilding who I was meant to be.  I've always been the one they wanted me to be. Never learning who I really am or why I'm even here.  I know there's a purpose for my life and won't quit until it's known.

My problem now is placing blame on new friends based on what others have done.  I expect them to treat me the same and feel defensive at every turn.  Trust is something hard to give when my past tells me to run.  Even when I feel, my friend, you could finally be the honest one, I can only offer partial trust until I trust myself.  I have to learn to allow honest people to enter my troubled life. Who can understand while I'm not broken, I'm not the confident one.  And love me for who I really am and see through the fronts I put up.  Who is willing to be patient as I continue to improve my self love.  I pray to God I'll know the one who will treat me with support and love. Yet not be afraid to tell me things I need to hear so I can learn how I am viewed. More importantly allow me to  find myself, while loving the person I am now.

My past affects my future, pain dictating what I do. I may say things that I don't mean as I struggle to gain control.  Slow and steady wins the race, but I'm speeding to improve.  Until I do, please allow me slack, but expect me to keep on the move. Be my rock, a safety zone, the one who sees my heart and knows my intentions are true. I might not be in the best place, but you're helping me improve.  I'm not leaning on your guidance, instead asking for patience as I get to know myself. More and more I will get closer to my goal to live my life for me.

I know you don't like when I call you my angel, but I believe that to be true. Right when I started to fall back down you appeared and you immediately improved my mood.  Your God given gift as a true musician played a big part lifting my soul. I felt your passion, emotion, and heart as you played and shared your truth.  This friendship is just in the beginning stage, and I'm excited to strengthen the bond.

Just see my heart and forgive my lapse in choosing the correct words.  When I speak from my heart, which I do with you, I tend to get confused.  As I try to express how I truly feel, my words don't come out right. Just know I truly care for you and will continue to improve.  I tried to speak your language so you could understand what I think of you.  I desire your friendship, trust, and love and I will always stand by you.

I can't stop typing as my thoughts spill out, determined to escape my mind.  So I'll post this message I wrote for you, praying you'll understand.  While I'm not the man I'm meant to be, this is my promise to you. I'll work on getting to that point, until then my words are true.  And once I finally reach that point, it will be in part because of you. I'm always here, to do the same, and continue to support you.

I care for you deeply, and look forward to forming a strong bond with you.  I pray we can figure things out, and I'm guided on what to do.  I told you I'm not sure of who I am or what I know is true. However one thing I know for sure is the intentions you have are pure. If you ever doubt I believe this fact, tell me and I'll prove it to you.  The greatest things in life can take time to come through. So I'll be patient, I believe we met the way we were fated to. And I anticipate building a relationship that will never never cease to improve.

One more time I'll emphasize how much I care about you.  I know you feel the same, you have shown me that side of you.  I'm blessed to have met you, and thank God our paths were meant to cross.  I'll end this message now, I've already said way too much. You have become a friend and I put my faith in you.  I will continue to try and be the same, it's worth it to know you.

Resolution

Coming out of a bad situation can leave you vulnerable and there's a need to put up walls. But these walls that protect you also prevent you from letting go. Instead of keeping the pain away, you end up trapped inside a prison of reminders.

You can't let it ruin yoy

I Put A Spell On You

I put a spell on you..
'Cause you're mine.

You better stop the things you do..
I ain't lyin'
No I ain't lyin'...

You know I can't stand it,
You're runnin' around.
You know better daddy..
I can't stand it cause you put me down.

I put a spell on you..
Because you're mine...
You're mine..

I love ya..
I love you..
I love you...
I love you anyhow..
And I don't care.
if you don't want me,
I'm yours right now...

You hear me,
I put a spell on you..
Because you're mine

((As sung by Nina Simone)

Young Adult

"I have a lot of problems.  It's really difficult for me to be happy. And then for  other people, it just seems so simple.  They just grow up. They're so fulfilled."

A break from the pain

I just had one of the greatest weekends of my life. For 3 days I was free. I returned to a state of being that I thought was lost. As I swallowed up fresh air, I forgot the pain. I sat there and let every second count. Living in the moment, never thinking it would end. The joy I felt spending time with my Godsons transported me into a different reality. As I think back about the weekend, I realize I didn't think of myself at all. I was so engulfed in sharing the carefree life of a child. For 3 days I was the old me.

I didn't feel the insecurity or anxieties that had held me captive. I only felt love and pride. I have been blessed to watch my Goddaughter blossom into a young lady full of confidence and bravery as she pursues her ambitions. I have watched my Godsons grow from little boys to amazing young men. I thought about my 4 beautiful nephews who are still young and can't wait to witness their journey into adulthood as well. There is something individually special about each of these innocent children that I feel deep within my heart.

Over the weekend I was released from a self-imposed solitary and was able to simply live life. We went to the pool and the water was freezing, but it didn't matter because I was experiencing the kind of happiness you lose as you get older. The naivety that being young allows. As they played and laughed, I selfishly absorbed every last fragment of positive energy. While I watch them, I remembered that childhood belief that anything is possible. The hope that comes with youth telling you the future is yours for the taking. That you can be anything and anyone you want. It's a knowledge that slowly grows weaker if not properly nourished. If neglected it can wander off into so many different and sad destinations. But the love and support of family can keep their dreams alive and hope becomes a guiding light into greatness. I have to ignore my current path and make sure I do everything I can to help guide them down the correct path. Those long, wonderful 3 days forced me to let go of my pain, letting me focus on that moment in time. I want to remember it long after it inevitably came to an end.

When Monday began I was still in a state of elation. As I cleaned up the house constant vignettes of the weekend repeated over and over in my mind. I felt brand new. As if my love of life had finally returned for good. (If I could continue to block the pain, as I had done, and try to retain the positive energy.) I suddenly realized what had made the weekend so care free. I was at home. We went shopping and out for food, but I never left the safety net of being close to home. The last time I went to their house was for this year's Superbowl. I had only been there for 10 minutes and suddenly felt the pressing need to be at my home. As the anxieties grew I could no longer deny the necessity to be home. I had gone into an extreme panic in a place I considered a 2nd home. A home I used to stay for days, never wanting to leave.

With my tail between my legs, I began the long drive home. Every mile closer to home I felt more and more anxious, but at the same time relieved knowing I would soon be back in the safety of my home. Mile by mile I also felt my heart tearing because I couldn't comprehend why I was such a panic in such a loving environment. My love for them had not changed. If anything, it grew stronger as I feared what this meant.

This wasn't an overnight change. I had been progressing more and more into a fear of being away from home. I noticed visits to my nephews decrease from entire weekends into quick visits with early exits. I didn't understand this fear and sat by as it began to increase and take over my life.

I'm not sure what it is about being away from home that creates such anxieties. It certainly wasn't what I had dreamt for myself as a kid. I'm isolated from society, socially terrified, and mentally falling apart. This fear has taken complete control of my life. I soon was unable to work and began to accept what I had become. A terrified, insecure, heart-broken, untrusting waste of a man. And I use the word man lightly. The further into this darkness I fell, the less of a man I became. I've been knocked down in the past, but was always able to pull myself back up. This time was different. I had lost the motivation to live life. I didn't know how this story would end, but any hope of a happy ending had vanished. Life no longer held meaning. I sit on my couch, only leaving for doctor appointments and the occasional therapy session. Or a quick trip to the grocery store within my safety zone. Even going to therapy and my psychiatrist are scary tasks. But I have to force myself into going so I can get better. I'm afraid if I don't go I'll lose what little support I have that was keeping me alive. And I'm ashamed to say I gave up hope completely more than once, thinking I could take the easy way out. Allowing fear to control me and cloud whatever reasons I have to stay.

This past weekend forced that point home. I understood I want to be here. I'm so proud of the paths each of my nephews and Godchildren are on. While I want them to stay young forever, I can't wait to see the amazing people that are destined to become. I want to be there as they start their own families. Most importantly I understood how taking the quitter's way out would effect the lives of those I love so dearly. While I may not be the most important person in their lives, the unconditional love they have always given me quickly and loudly asserted the responsibility I have as part of their lives. What type of role-model would I be if I let them think it's okay to give up? How would that change their view of life - allowing them to see how hard life can sometimes be? What if my selfishness allowed even the smallest hint of despair into their lives? How could I leave them with the lasting impression that I gave up on life, and them, so easily.

My support system would be much larger if it wasn't for pride. I don't want my friends and family to see the empty shell that I have become. The unrealistic idea that they would look down on me and abandon me as a lost cause. A sad, lonely presence that nobody wants to be around. Someone who has lost all hope. Or my worst fear. That exposing my failure would keep me from my nephews and Godkids. I'm the uncle and Godfather. I am supposed to be the strong one that can easily fix any problem they have. I was someone they looked up to who had let them down. I try to hide as much of my pain as possible. And I purposely do not share what I am going through because I feel I have so little to offer and could quickly be replaced.

The joy I felt this weekend was a much needed escape from the pain. But it had to come to an end. Playtime has stopped and reality has set back in. As i'm hiding in my home, sitting on my couch, unable to leave, I find myself anticipating the next break from the pain. Not a break from life, but a return to living. A temporary escape from my reality. A chance to remember hope and dreams. I go through my days lost and wondering what will become of me. And I'm grateful to have the moments between the pain when I feel alive. Even though I know reality will always return and I'll fall deeper into my world.

But I still anticipate the break from the pain.